A Lancashire police officer has pleaded guilty to having a four-month sexual relationship with a vulnerable person.
Darren Coathup, a police constable who was based in Blackburn, appeared at Manchester Crown Court today (December 8) for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
When he was arrested last year, Coathup was suspended by Lancashire Constabulary and remains suspended, a police spokesperson said.
The 39-year-old, whose address has been withheld, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a holder of a public office who wilfully neglected to perform his duty/wilfully misconducted himself.
Coathup admitted that between April 24 and August 11, 2021, while a police officer, he wilfully and without reasonable excuse or justification misconducted himself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public's trust.
The particulars are that he engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a vulnerable member of the public, and inappropriate contact with another member of the public.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We are aware PC Darren Coathup appeared at Manchester Crown Court today (December 8) and pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office and corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers and privilege.
"This followed a pro-active investigation from our Integrity and Anti-Corruption Team.
"Following identification of his behaviour PC Coathup was immediately arrested in August 2021 and suspended from all duties.
"We take these matters extremely seriously and the course of conduct PC Coathup has pleaded guilty to does not represent the high standard of professionalism exhibited by the overwhelming majority of our officers and staff.
"We are in the process of seeking misconduct action against PC Coathup and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time."
Coathup will appear at Manchester Crown Court for sentencing on February 16, 2023.
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